The Cardiff-born cricketer was the son of former England and Glamorgan batsman Matthew Maynard.

It is thought he may have been trying to escape police shortly before his death. Officers tried to pull over a black Mercedes, which was being driven "erratically", an hour before Maynard's body was found on the tracks.

A Met Police spokesman said: "At approx 4.15am on Monday, 18 June, officers stopped a vehicle after it was seen being driven erratically in Arthur Road, SW19. The male driver of the vehicle - a black Mercedes C250 - made off on foot. Officers were unable to locate the man. At approx 5.10am the body of a man fitting the same description was found on tracks near Wimbledon Park station."

The force said it was still trying to identify the deceased man and the Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Police Complaints Commission have been informed. London Ambulance Service medics were called but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Surrey County Cricket Club chairman Richard Thompson said: "Our thoughts at this awful time are with Tom's family and friends and all those that were close to him. Tom Maynard was a prodigiously talented young batsman who had made an incredible start to his career and was clearly destined for far greater things."

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke said: "Tom was a player of enormous potential who had already represented England Lions and had an exciting future ahead of him. Our hearts go out to the Maynard family for their tragic loss and we send them and all Tom's many friends and colleagues within the game our deepest sympathies."

Leading figures from the cricketing world united in their sadness at Maynard's death. Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff said on Twitter: "Tragic news that a great lad, Tom Maynard is no longer with us. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time x x"

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: "Thoughts are with Matt Maynard and his family. Words can't describe the terribly sad news that Tom Maynard has died aged 23... #RIPTOM"